Two Students of NMIMS Shirpur’s School of Agricultural Sciences & Technology Shine at the SmartIdeathon Competition, Reach Top 8

Date: September 26, 2023

Shirpur, 23nd September, 2023 :  Two talented students from NMIMS University, Ms. Amruta Mali and Ms. Poonam Patil, pursuing their Final Year B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture at the School of Agricultural Sciences & Technology, Shirpur, have emerged as shining stars at the SmartIdeathon Competition, held at GITAM University Hyderabad. This prestigious event was organized in collaboration with Startup India, IIC, Ministry of Education, Govt. of India, and Northeastern University, Boston, USA, drawing participants from universities and institutes across the country.

Amruta and Poonam, the founders of Agro-India, an initiative under SVKM’s NMIMS – School of Agricultural Sciences & Technology, Shirpur, showcased their praiseworthy innovation during the competition. They presented a board game which has evolved into a comprehensive simulation of the agricultural ecosystem. This game captures the intricacies of crop management, resource allocation, and market dynamics in an appealing and educational manner.

The SmartIdeathon Competition, a ‘Student pitching competition,’ saw the duo advance to the final rounds, securing a coveted position among the Top 8 Finalists from participants across the nation. 

The competition drew participants from diverse fields of study and was a vindication of the power of ideas and their potential to bring about big change in the industries. The students’ passion for agriculture and strategic thinking resulted in a concept that combined these two elements into an agriculture-based board game. The process involved refining the game mechanics, designing the board, and devising challenges that tested their innovation and creativity.

For the two students, reaching the top 8 is not only a personal victory, but also a validation of the numerous hours they spent brainstorming, designing, and refining the game. It speaks volumes about their capability for interdisciplinary thinking and the ability to bridge gaps between traditional industries and modern innovation.

Dr. Suseelendra Desai, Dean, School of Agricultural Sciences & Technology, expressed his pride for the students’ achievement and said, "Amruta and Poonam's outstanding achievement at the SmartIdeathon Competition highlights NMIMS University's firm belief in promoting innovation and nurturing their creativity. I am certain that this is only the beginning of their journey and they will go on to win many more accolades."

About SAST:

School of Agricultural Sciences & Technology (SAST), Shirpur is the first School of Agriculture under SVKM’s NMIMS to be started in 2019 to bring prosperity to the small and marginal farm holders. The School focuses on teaching, research and outreach, the three arms of agricultural research and education to meet the stakeholders’ aspirations with more participatory devolutions. The School has air-conditioned class rooms with smart boards, 117 acres of farm, and fully-equipped laboratories. The integrated campus set-up provides an opportunity for the students to get exposed to engineering & pharmacy faculties and thus promote holistic development. The robust agricultural education curriculum in line with national agricultural education systems as recommended by the ICAR provides a platform where knowledge, resources and opportunities to address aspects of enhanced farm productivity, profitability and sustainable livelihoods. The skills of the students are honed in basic and applied aspects of agriculture and allied sectors; constant practical hand-holding; and assurance of learning to develop into future researchers or entrepreneurs. The students involve in experiential learning projects and agro-industrial attachments for beyond academic expertise. NMIMS’s SAST is focused to give an extra mile to the knowledge and career of graduates because we help them think both critically and creatively, and to express with energy, precision, and dynamism.

NMIMS School of Agricultural Science & Technology Students Publish Patent

Date: August 04, 2023

August 2023: In an impressive feat, Mr. Pawan Rajput and Mr. Manoj Mali, final year B.Sc. (Hons.) Agriculture students at NMIMS School of Agricultural Science & Technology (SAST), have published a patent titled "Chemical-Free Storage-cum-Selling Device for Enhanced Shelf Life of Fruits and Vegetables." This groundbreaking invention showcases the innovative capabilities and practical knowledge of the students, highlighting the success of the systematic program structure at SAST.

The program structure at SAST follows a comprehensive approach, focusing on fundamental education in the first year, applied aspects in the second year, technology aspects in the third year, and field training throughout the final year. During their third year, Mr. Pawan Rajput and Mr. Manoj Mali studied courses on post-harvest technology and food processing, where they identified the gaps in the storage, packaging, and processing of perishable fruits and vegetables.

Their realization of the challenges faced by resource-poor small and marginal farmers, including price fluctuations and post-harvest wastage, during their village attachment program in rural areas of Dhule and Jalgaon, became the driving force behind their innovative idea. After extensive research and analysis of current practices, storage structures, and packaging materials, they developed a vacuum storage device design equipped with accessories that regulate temperature, inhibit microbial growth, and absorb undesirable gases.

The design provides a controlled environment for stored produce, minimizing decay, bacterial growth, and wilting. It incorporates natural and plant-based ingredients in the anti-microbial unit to prevent food spoilage caused by microbial contaminants. The device also features wheels for easy mobility and can be controlled through a user device via a mobile-based app, enabling real-time monitoring of temperature, pressure, and other parameters. 

This notable achievement by Mr. Pawan Rajput and Mr. Manoj Mali underscores the inspiring learning environment and curriculum at SAST, which emphasizes classroom and field-oriented learning systems. The school's principles of "Earn while Learn" and "Materialize the ideas" encourage an environment that nurtures scientific, entrepreneurial, sporting, and cultural talents among its students.

Dr. Mallikarjun Dhotre, Assistant Professor (Horticulture) at SAST, played a crucial role in providing technical support and moral encouragement throughout the development of the design. His guidance and expertise have been instrumental in the success of this invention.

The patent publication by Mr. Pawan Rajput and Mr. Manoj Mali stands as a significant milestone for SAST, highlighting the school's commitment towards promoting innovation and disruptive technologies for the benefit of the farming community. This accomplishment sets a benchmark for future graduates and further establishes SAST as a leading institution in agricultural education and research.